“An hour and forty-five minutes before Nazneen's life began-began as it would proceed for quite some time, that is to say uncertainly-her mother, Rupban, felt an iron fist squeeze her belly.” — Monica Ali Copy Share Image
I don't want to get hung up on what 'people,' that nebulous mass, think about me. That's the way to unhappiness, I think. — Monica Ali Copy Share Image
“If God wanted us to ask questions, he would have made us men (page 80).” — Monica Ali Copy Share Image
“And so they entwined their lives to drink from the pools of each other’s sadness. From these special watering holes, each man drew strength.” — Monica Ali Copy Share Image
“Her words were as sharp as an eyeful of sand. She never raised her voice. It was the kind of voice that never needed… — Monica Ali Copy Share Image
She touched his hand for the last time. "Oh, Karim, that we have already done. But always there was a problem between us. How… — Monica Ali Copy Share Image
“Tevis being childless meant you felt a little sorry for her, and a bit jealous. Probably the same way she felt about you.” — Monica Ali Copy Share Image
Sometimes I look back and I am shocked. Everyday of my life I have prepared for success, worked for it, waited for it, and you don't notice how the days pass until nearly a lifetime is finished. Then it hits you--the thing you have been waiting for has already gone by. And it was going in the other direction. It's… — Monica Ali Copy Share
I started writing 'Brick Lane' when my children were two years and five months old. We were on holiday in the north of England… — Monica Ali Copy Share Image
“The air was hot and wet, as if it had absorbed the sweat of countless bodies. It dripped also with scandal.” — Monica Ali Copy Share Image
“Nishi's sister, who was sixteen years old, had gone for a "holiday" in Sylhet and returned six months later with a husband and a… — Monica Ali Copy Share Image
